covid 19 News and Research

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Obesity identified as a significant risk factor for COVID-19 infection

A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham has found that obesity may be an important risk factor for infection from the virus that causes COVID-19.

4 Sep 2024

WHO unveils global framework for investigating origins of novel pathogens

With the support of the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a global framework to help Member States comprehensively investigate the origins of new and re-emerging pathogens.

4 Sep 2024

Immune cells prevent the lungs' protective barrier from healing after viral infections

Investigators involved in a multicenter study co-led by Cedars-Sinai discovered a pathway by which immune cells prevent the lungs' protective barrier from healing after viral infections like COVID-19.

4 Sep 2024

Key insights into cardiac metabolism dysfunction in the elderly

A new editorial was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science), Volume 16, Issue 16 on August 19, 2024, entitled, "Cardiac metabolism in the elderly: effects and consequences."

4 Sep 2024

PCORI announces $100 million funding for pediatric comparative effectiveness research

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) today began inviting proposals through eight new funding opportunities, including three PCORI Funding Announcements (PFAs) for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

4 Sep 2024

As interest from families wanes, pediatricians scale back on covid shots

When pediatrician Eric Ball opened a refrigerator full of childhood vaccines, all the expected shots were there — DTaP, polio, pneumococcal vaccine — except one.

4 Sep 2024

Lifestyle interventions in patients after colorectal cancer treatment

A recent RCT reveals the HEAL ABC intervention is feasible for 87% of colorectal cancer survivors, supporting healthy lifestyle changes and improved well-being.

4 Sep 2024

Seasonal patterns in Valley fever cases reveal climate-driven risks

Valley fever is an emerging fungal disease in the western United States that most often causes flu-like symptoms, but can also cause dangerous or even deadly complications. By analyzing data on reported cases of Valley fever in California, which have increased dramatically over the last two decades, researchers from the University of California San Diego and the University of California, Berkeley, have identified seasonal patterns that could help individuals and public health officials better prepare for future surges in Valley fever cases.

4 Sep 2024

New approach to treat post-COVID symptoms

In a world still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a team of international researchers has proposed a novel approach to treating the persistent symptoms that plague many survivors of viral infections. The study, published on 30 August 2024 in Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639, Genomic Press, New York), outlines a multimodal treatment strategy that could offer hope to millions suffering from post-acute infectious syndromes (PAIS), including the condition commonly known as Long COVID.

4 Sep 2024

Study reassures patients about semaglutide safety

Taking the weight loss medication semaglutide did not increase the risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior in persons without known major mental health disorders, according to a new study led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine.

4 Sep 2024

Delayed antiviral treatment still beneficial for immunocompromised COVID-19 patients

Starting antiviral treatment as late as 14 days after infection with SARS-CoV-2 may still be beneficial in hosts with compromised immune systems, who are at greatest risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to researchers in the Center for Translational Antiviral Research at Georgia State University's Institute for Biomedical Sciences.

3 Sep 2024

Newly discovered antibody can neutralize all known variants of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers have discovered an antibody able to neutralize all known variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as distantly related SARS-like coronaviruses that infect other animals.

3 Sep 2024

NSF AIRFoundry to advance RNA technology and nanoparticle design

In a typical foundry, raw materials like steel and copper are melted down and poured into molds to assume new shapes and functions.

3 Sep 2024

COVID-19 treatment reporting in U.S. media lacked scientific rigor, study says

A study in JMIR Infodemiology reveals how U.S. media reports on early COVID-19 therapies often lacked scientific evidence and highlighted uncertainties, contributing to misinformation and public mistrust.

2 Sep 2024

Long COVID symptom severity varies widely by age, gender, and socioeconomic status

Study analyzes self-reported long COVID symptoms through a healthcare app, revealing that symptom severity significantly varies by demographic factors such as age, gender, race, education, and socioeconomic status.

2 Sep 2024

Wearable heart monitor for AF screening increases diagnoses but not stroke prevention

Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) using a wearable heart monitor for 2 weeks can identify older adults with this potentially dangerous abnormal heart rhythm, but does not prevent subsequent strokes, according to late breaking research presented in a Hot Line Session at this year's ESC Congress 2024 in London, UK (30 Aug - 2 Sept).

2 Sep 2024

Early viral activity plays critical role in long COVID, study suggests

Findings on early viral and immune markers provide insights into the pathogenesis of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, informing future research and therapies.

2 Sep 2024

Intranasal vaccine shows broad SARS-CoV-2 variant protection

Study demonstrates that a single-dose intranasal live-attenuated vaccine, CDO-7N-1, provides broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by inducing potent immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies and T-cell activity, in animal models.

1 Sep 2024

New method accelerates drug discovery from years to months

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children's Hospital have found a new method to increase both speed and success rates in drug discovery.

30 Aug 2024

Semaglutide cuts death rates from cardiovascular disease and COVID-19

Patients taking semaglutide injections are less likely to die of any cause, including from cardiovascular disease and infections like COVID-19, an international study led by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, finds.

30 Aug 2024